Monday, March 7, 2011

I haven’t been posting much writing on Heaven in My Foot for some time (boo hoo), but I have a good excuse (yay!)—always a great comfort in this life of desires and demands. I’ve been writing for print. And guess what? My first publication came in the mail last week and should now be available at more complete newsstands. Titled “Wine for Those Who Faint,” the piece was about 6 years in the making and appears in the current issue of Image(issue 68). It’s a personal narrative of intertwined illness and faith framed by reading Leviticus, the book of the Hebrew Bible which lays out ritual law for the priests of ancient Israel, including the instructions for animal sacrifice. The narrative of my illness covers up to about 9 years ago.

Image is a journal of literature, art, and faith—“Beauty will save the world” is their refrain. I’ve been reading it for a couple of years and have learned from experience to expect something that astonishes me in every issue. I favor the poetry, creative nonfiction, and publisher-and-editor Gregory Wolfe’s regular essays. Before reading Image I thought contemporary religious poetry was limited to pietistic doggerel; I’ve been happily corrected. Image also produces a biweekly free newsletter on the arts and faith and does a bunch of other wonderful things that you can learn about on their website.

As I love it so, I will send a free copy of Image (issue 68 with my essay) to the first two inquirers who want to become acquainted with this great journal. Just send me an e-mail and we’ll take it from there. It can also be purchased at some bookstores (if they carry Image), and on the Image website here.

I have two other essays that will be published, so I hear, in books this year. Taken all together, these developments give me the unfamiliar feeling of being on my way. Where to remains unknown.

I found you through the essay in Image. Your readers on this blog might appreciate a link to the website, so they can order a copy. I've been a subscriber for 11 years. Here is the link to order the issue with your essay--$12:http://imagejournal.org/page/journal/back-issues/issue-68

Priscilla, what a sweet moment for you. Many blessings as your writing spreads out into the world and touches many hearts. I do want to add — Wherever you're going, you're already there; you're just becoming more who you are which was/is entirely enough and which is beautiful.

Welcome, Mr. Crocker! Thanks for giving that link. There was one in my post, but perhaps I didn't make the purchasing opportunity clear enough. I hope my changes are sufficient.

Dear Meg: I'm mostly playing with the idea of being on my way. The feeling is amusing precisely because it contradicts the mental orientation I cultivate. Here is where it's at. I'm a faithful convert to that doctrine. So, not to worry.

2009 Cartoon Sampler

2008 Cartoon Sampler

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